TV star Leon Harrop brings Christmas cheer to Rochdale’s Down’s syndrome community

Young Rochdale DS All Stars members enjoy the festive fun

Christmas came early for the Down’s syndrome community of Rochdale when more than 20 local families came together for some festive fun and to make their celebrations even more special, they enjoyed a guest appearance from TV star Leon Harrop.

The actor, who played one of the lead roles in the hit BBC series Ralph & Katie, joined youngsters with Down’s syndrome from across the borough at the annual event, which sees the children and their families enjoy Christmas crafting, face painting, a seasonal story time, plus a visit and presents from Santa.

Claire Minnet, chair of Rochdale DS All Stars, said: “Our Christmas party is always the highlight of our events calendar and watching the children throw themselves into the celebrations, especially in their interactions with our Father Christmas, is just magical.

"But having Leon with us this year made it extra special and was the icing on the cake of a wonderful day for all our families.”

Lalain Meskyzadeh, one of the founders of Rochdale DS All Stars, adds: “As a parent to a child with Down’s syndrome, I know how important it is for our children to see people with their condition represented in film and television and so we are incredibly grateful to actors like Leon for all that they do.

""It was great that we were able to meet such an inspirational talent and thank him in person.”

Rochdale DS All Stars runs quarterly family sessions, which allow the whole family to socialise in a safe and fun environment, a monthly coffee morning for parents to swap advice and experiences and regular Feel Good Fridays, which encourage parents and carers to recharge their batteries while enjoying a new craft or activity that they’ve perhaps not tried before.